HESTA wants answers from WiseTech on how it will manage the role of executive chair Richard White after reports emerged that the Australian Federal Police are investigating him over human trafficking and visa fraud allegations.

“These latest allegations are deeply concerning and, if proven, compounds the risks from serious governance and leadership issues we have raised about WiseTech for more than a year,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said in a statement.

“We will seek further information from the company, including how WiseTech will manage Richard White’s role given these latest allegations. WiseTech remains on our watchlist due to governance, leadership and culture concerns.”

HESTA has had WiseTech on its watchlist since May 2025, when it cited concerns about White’s conduct, the lack of board independence and uncertainty over leadership and succession. In the statement Blakey said the fund had “consistently urged the board of WiseTech to confront the uncertainty around leadership and succession proactively and transparently”.

The latest allegations centre on reports from the Australian Financial Review and Sydney Morning Herald that the Australian Federal Police are investigating White over claims he exploited a woman’s immigration status and financial insecurity for sex and provided false information on a visa application.

In a statement to the ASX, WiseTech said that the “alleged investigation relates to [White] in a personal capacity” and that there is no suggestion of an investigation into WiseTech.

“The company is not aware of any investigation as outlined in the article. The executive chair has provided assurance to the board that he is not aware of any such investigation and also confirmed that he emphatically and unequivocally denies any involvement in or with human trafficking”.

When HESTA initially placed WiseTech on its watchlist, it called on the company to appoint genuinely independent directors, demonstrate a sustained focus on succession and provide comprehensive and transparent disclosure. White is also subject to a separate regulatory investigation over share transactions undertaken between late 2024 and early 2025.